Friday, April 27, 2012

LUSU To Continue Fight

The Lakehead University Student Union is continuing with its court action against the institution. President Michael Snodden that's despite the fact the Board of Governors lifted its conflict of interest rules, pending a by-law review, to allow the union to speak on a tuition increase. He says the board's decision doesn't mean it's permanent and that they made a commitment to students and plan to follow through with it. Meantime the governors approved across the board tuition fee increases.

Four Named In Child Porn Bust

City Police have released the names of four men who were arrested in connection with child pornography. 26 year old Alan Burkhart, 25 year old Justin Chabot, 42 year old George Korkola and 19 year old Michael Brown. Police say the arrests stem from a recent internet investigation. All four men have appeared in court.

Oxy's Seized In Pickle Lake

Four Pickle Lake residents have been arrested following a drug bust. OPP, RCMP and Thunder Bay Police executed five search warrants in Pickle Lake. Police seized 564 oxycodone pills nearly 8-thousand dollars cash as well as drug paraphernalia and 2-firearms. Police say 63-year-old James Marino faces 11-charges including trafficking, possession of stolen property and unlawful storage of firearms. David Lockwood, Albert Shingebis and Ida Crane each face 3-charges.

More Responsibilities For John Rafferty

The Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP is serving as a party rep to the Public Safety and National Security parliamentary committee. The committee oversees work carried out by such federal agencies as the Canadian Border Services Agency, RCMP and Correctional Services Canada.

Alzheimer Campaign Hits City

There is a new alzheimers awareness campaign in the city. The ribbon campaign is a simple idea, make a donation and wear a ribbon to remind people of the cause. Spokesperson Kayla Caratti hopes the campaign will bring light to the disease. You can donate and get a ribbon at "Part Source", "Done Right And Auto" and "Fat Guys Auto Parts".

Scott Chisolm Being Honoured

Thunder Bay's Scott Chisholm is honoured. The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health selected him as a champion for their cause. Chisholm is the founder of the Collateral Damage Project that shows people left behind by suicide. He'll receive his award in Ottawa on May 7th.

Harbour Project May Face Obstacle

An environmental assessment has turned up some sunken treasures in the Harbour. Councillor Mark Bentz says they've found a sunken ship filled with concrete as well as footings and trestles involved with an area grain elevator. Council will only have to deal with the newly discovered items if they decide to proceed with the second phase of the waterfront project.

Kiev Man Charged For Racing

A 37 year old man from Kiev, Ukraine is facing several driving related charges. OPP were conducting radar enforcement on Highway 17 east of Marathon when they spotted a vehicle speeding at 149 km/h in a 90 zone. He's been charged with racing. His licence is suspended and his vehicle impounded.

FedNor Defends Decision

FedNor is defending its decision to cut a popular funding program. The agency announced earlier this month the Local Initiatives Fund is the victim of federal budget cuts. Aime DiMatteo is Director General of FedNor and says they had to cut 10 percent from their budget this year. Under the Local Initiatives Fund, Community Development Agencies were able to provide grants of up to five thousand dollars to local projects.

New Stroke Rehabilitation Program Launched

Thunder Bay's Regional Research Institute is welcoming a new addition to their team.  Dr. Jane Lawrence Dewar is a brain scientist who will conduct research into stroke rehabilitation.  Dewar will be looking at remapping the brain in order to restore the functions lost from having a stroke.

Dryden Man Charged

A Dryden pharmacist faces a trafficking charge after a two month investigation by members of the Kenora Joint Forces Drug Unit and the Dryden Provincial Police Crime Unit. Robert Button has been charged with trafficking a controlled substance and will appear in Sioux Lookout Court today.

NOMA Finalizes Wishlist

The Provincial Government is getting a laundry list of suggestions from the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association. Delegates in Kenora passed 23 resolutions that will be sent to the Province; including providing payments in lieu of municipal land tax and reversing the decision to close the Travel Information Centres in Kenora, Fort Frances and Rainy River. NOMA members also approved a resolution in support of construction and operation of a ferrochrome facility in Exton.